NEW GRAINGER SCIENCE HUB SHOWCASES “FRESH SCIENCE” AT THE FIELD MUSEUM

Just-opened on the museum’s main floor, the hub will be staffed by educators and showcase cutting-edge scientific discoveries and rotating exhibits of museum oddities.
Read the story here.

THE HOLLANDER TAKING RESERVATIONS IN WICKER PARK

Travelers who gravitate toward unconventional lodging options will want to put The Hollander on their list. This Wicker Park “social” concept hotel is located in a rehabbed warehouse and will have a mix of shared rooms and private lofts. Along with the recently opened The Robey,The Hollander is operated by Mexico-based Grupo Habita, giving it a distinctly international flair. Learn more about The Hollander.

MAYOR EMANUEL DESIGNATES 2017 AS THE “YEAR OF PUBLIC ART” IN CHICAGO

The celebration includes a $1.5 million investment in community arts, a 50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project, the creation of a Public Art Youth Corps, a new Public Art Festival, museum exhibitions and more. Read the announcement here.

FALL OPENING FOR ACE HOTEL

Hip(ster) hotel brand Ace is known for pioneering on-the-verge neighborhoods around the country (think Seattle's Belltown and New Orleans Warehouse District), and its next stop will be Chicago's Fulton Market. The 150-room hotel, with its signature minimalist aesthetic and repurposed design elements, is slated to open in the fall of 2017.
Learn more about the Ace Hotel Chicago.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO PLANS $16 MILLION RENOVATION

The project will reconfigure MCA’s public spaces while retaining the current footprint to create a “livelier, more creative space.”
Read about it here.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT 150TH CELEBRATION KICKS OFF IN 2017

To mark the 150 years since the birth of Chicago’s most famous architect (and he has stiff competition), the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust will present an array of special programs and exhibitions around Chicago and the country. Read the story here.

VICEROY HOTEL TO GLITTER IN THE GOLD COAST

The latest entry from luxury hotel brand Viceroy is underway in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Located at the site of the 1920s-era Cedar Hotel (1118 N. State St.), the sleek tower will reach 18 stories, affording guests sweeping skyline and Lake Michigan views from many of the 180 guest rooms and the rooftop pool.
Learn more about the Viceroy Chicago.

ARCLIGHT CINEMAS PRESENTS ARCHITECTURE AFTERNOONS WITH CAF

The new film series, which explores how filmmakers use Chicago and its architecture to tell stories, runs January 22–April 23.
Read the story here.

NAVY PIER IMAX REOPENS WITH LASER PROJECTION; MORE RENOVATIONS AHEAD

Improvements continue at Navy Pier IMAX, which has just reopened under the AMC banner with a state-of-the-art projection system, and will continue through 2017 to add immersive 12-channel sound, plush rocker seats and more.
Read the story here.

MAYOR EMANUEL, CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT BREAK GROUND ON THEATER ON THE LAKE

The historic landmark at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Shore Drive will be transformed into a year-round cultural facility with multiple meeting spaces, a restaurant and outdoor patio.
Read about it here.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS WILL ADJOIN MCCORMICK PLACE

Opening summer 2017, this 40-story hotel will directly adjoin McCormick Place — making it a new go-to for convention travelers. The new Marriott Marquis will have 1,205 rooms, along with 90,000 square feet of event space. Learn more about the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

CHICAGO POURS UNVEILED FOR 2016-17 SEASON AT UNITED CENTER

Coinciding with the start of the Chicago Bulls’ and Blackhawks’ regular seasons, Chicago Pours will feature a rotating cocktail menu from 15 Chicago bars, mixology pop-ups and demos.
See the lineup here.

NOBU HOTEL DEBUTING IN LATE 2017

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert DeNiro for the groundbreaking of the entrepreneuring pair’s latest endeavor — Nobu Hotel Chicago. Located in the West Loop, the 93-room property will also house Chicago’s first Nobu restaurant. Learn more about Nobu Hotel.